Putnam County aids Alabama tornado victims with emergency relief drive
Greencastle American Legion Post 58 recently sponsored an emergency relief drive for the victims of a deadly F-5 tornado that tore through Alabama on April 27, killing more than 500 people and destroying entire communities.
Members of the Greencastle and Cloverdale American Legion posts collected items donated by the community on Saturday, May 7 and filled a 53-foot semi trailer donated by Swift trucking.
American Legion organizers were on hand to sort and package food, water, clothing, bedding, toys, cleaning supplies and personal hygiene all donated by members of the community.
The Greencastle VFW Post also conducted a memorial service with "Taps" being played and a 21-gun salute in honor of Commander Tom Garner and his wife Mae of American Legion Post 165 in Hackleburg, Ala., who were killed during the storm.
More than $2,500 in cash was also collected from area organizations, corporations and individuals. The Cloverdale American Legion, SAL and Auxiliary donated $1,500 and went on a shopping spree, delivering a 16-foot cargo trailer full of needed supplies.
The Greencastle Eagles Auxiliary also participated, donating a check from 50/50 drawings conducted Friday night. Meanwhile, the F.B. Distro plant donated boxes that were used to package loose items brought in.
It took only eight hours for the semi trailer to be filled with supplies from the local community.
American Legion members Keith Whitinger, Larry Ford and Lori Ford then escorted the trailer to Hackleburg, Ala., for distribution to tornado victims through the American Red Cross and FEMA.
While in Hackleburg, the local contingent also met with state and Legion post officers to present a check for donations collected, and placed a wreath at the gravesite of Commander Garner.
American Legion officials thank everyone in the community who helped support the humanitarian effort.